Then Alina smiled, breaking the moment.
"...Now go to your important council lunch," she said lightly, stepping back and letting her hand drop. "Before your 'great talents' think you abandoned them."
Dante exhaled softly, the tension easing from his shoulders.
"They would not dare," he replied, a hint of his usual composure returning.
Alina smiled.
"...Still."
He stood up slowly, pushing his chair back. As he straightened, his hand brushed against hers.
A small touch. Barely anything.
But she felt it all the way down to her toes.
He walked past her toward the door, his steps steady, his presence filling the room even as he moved away.
At the door, he paused.
His hand rested on the frame, and he looked back at her over his shoulder.
"...Lina."
She looked at him.
"Yes?"
"...Do not skip lunch."
She smiled, warmth spreading through her chest.
"I won't."
He nodded once, his eyes lingering on her for just a moment longer.
Then he left.
